LCF - Our expat church in Lagos, Nigeria

Caleb and I have been a part of LCF since we first arrived in Lagos. This place has become like a home to us, and the people are fast becoming family. It's one of the things I love about God... he designed us to be a part of a community, to be in relationship with Him and with others... and I love that because of this, no matter where I go, I have family.  Anywhere in the world we can walk into his house, and instantly connect with the people there... we all share in the same joy and love and knowledge that we're His kids!
When we first attended LCF, I have to admit, it didn't really excite me. Being a small expat church, we didn't have our own space, and were using a really large traditional church... when you've only got 20 or 30 people there, the acoustics are terrible and you are so aware of the fact you are sitting in a big empty building. The people (and Ed's teaching!) were the main reason we kept coming back again and again.
A few weeks ago we moved into a really nice conference room in the Best Western Hotel on Bar Beach Road in Victoria Island. And wow, what a difference it makes being in a smaller room! Apart from the stunning ocean views, there's a new sense of intimacy, it's easier to connect, and people are hanging around a lot longer to socialise and chat afterwards (that could have something to do with the coffee and deepfried goodness though...).  There are more and more people coming too. It was Week 4 today, and we were scrambling to find extra chairs for everyone! There is a lot more freedom in the place too, I think God is really going to do a new thing with LCF...
Caleb and I have also signed up to lead the youth ministry... Today was our first day with them, and honestly, we're all so excited. I think it's been quite hard for these kids... Lagos is not the most liveable city in the world, and these kids just don't enjoy the same kind of freedom as kids in NZ.  There's different kinds of pressures and realities here, so it's going to be good to be able to spend some time with them and help them make the most of their lives here.
If any expats have stumbled upon our blog and want to come along to LCF, here's the website:
www.lcf-nigeria.org

So blessed!

Wow, what an amazing few weeks we've had..... the moments of 'what am I doing here' and homesickness becoming less frequent, and the 'wow' moments are becoming a continuous state of mind, as I realise how blessed we are, and how God has everything in His hand.
Here's a select few of the best things in my life at the moment...
Women's Bible Study... I have teamed up with two other wonderful American women and we have started a worship and bible study for us expat wives who aren't lucky to be fully supported by our husbands at home all day! It is such an amazing blessing to have these women in my life. We've already got another 2 girls, and it's just beautiful to spend time together praying.  I'm learning a lot from them already in the short time I've known them...

Lagos

 Sailing... some friends of ours have been taking us along to the Yacht Club where we have been lucky enough to crew for a couple of races. This makes me so happy as I have been wanting to learn to sail for a long time! We sail in the main port harbour, and it's crazy. There are massive tankers and container ships everywhere! We got off to a terrible start in our last race, but because of a massive tanker, we timed the pass perfectly and ended up coming in a cool 4th place.... not bad!! It is so wonderful to be out on the water, even if it is oily and black.... I particularly like the fact that it seems most of the races are sponsored. With copious amounts of Australian wine and delicious cheeses. Mmmm.... cheese.
Water skiing.... yes yes yes!!! Our wonderful friends took us out waterskiing - my first time!! We took the boat right up the creek, past an old ship graveyard, and the water became a nice light brown colour.... clean! And the river banks were lined with coconut plantations and beach houses. Very very nice! I was especially stoked because I stood up pretty quickly (thanks to my wonderful instructor husband and friends!!). 

A massive oil rig under repair.

Action Man. A pro. I expected nothing less! ;)

I might look unco, but this IS my first skiing experience!

The wonderful Heather!

The boys...

Couch surfers... we have had the coolest couch surfers come and stay with us here in Lagos. From Poland, Austria and Germany so far. I love being able to show them around some of my favourite places here and show them that Lagos life isn't so bad.... it's definitely not the gun and area boy presence everywhere! You can walk around the streets... in the day time at least.
Taco Tuesday... Yay for Americans! One of the main reasons I love Americans is because they are so passionate about Mexican food. Dana, our host, cooks awesome Mexican food and we watch great movies.... like Back To The Future I, II & III! 
The discovery of the adult fiction section of our school library... Thank you God! Finally, some books to read!!!
My wonderful husband.... who is such a pillar of support for me when I lose sight of the blessings and when I get homesick. I admire him because he knows how to be content in every situation, and I am still very much learning how to do this. It's funny, even when I get all down on Lagos, I still laugh to myself about how this is just what I wanted.... I wanted the challenge, the opportunity to be stretched and to grow. So, there is no where else I would rather be right now.  :)